Chapter Text
“Was that good for you, babe?”
Mydei turned to Jason as he left the bathroom, having just wiped himself down. Though he was never someone who derived much enjoyment from sex, he smiled at his husband as he always did.
“It was.”
With some action sequence sparking colours across the TV screen, Jason turned to him, face grim.
“Mydei, I want to discuss something with you.”
Mydei settled on the couch, noting the firm set of his brow. He had a slightly sick feeling in his stomach, but did his best to stamp it down.
“Go on.”
“I wasn’t sure whether to bring this up, but lately i’ve noticed we’ve fallen into this rut.”
Jason wasn’t looking at him, wringing his hands.
“I just feel like our marriage is no longer exciting.”
Mydei’s stomach dropped.
“I don’t know what…”
He shook his head
“Are you unsatisfied with something in particular?”
“Well, I do wish we would have sex more often. And sometimes I have to wait for ages after work for dinner.”
Jason sighed before continuing.
“But I think the main issue is just that we’ve been chained down for too long.”
Mydei frowned. Did his husband really feel so suffocated by him? At Mydei’s silence, Jason stumbled into justification.
“I mean, we’ve been married for five years and exclusive for nine.”
He gave a wry smile. Mydei felt sick. How had he not realised something was so wrong? Guilt flared. His brain raced through possibilities, how bad was it really? Was it grounds for divorce? Could he be better somehow? Jason went on, smile suddenly saccharine.
“But I love you, I still do, which is why I’ve found a solution.”
He took Mydei’s hands in his.
“I want to open our marriage.”
He probably noticed the alarm on Mydei’s face because he hurried to continue.
“I’ve seen it online, a lot of people like us do it. We can still love each other, it’s just a way for us to fulfill our needs.”
Numbly, Mydei realised he was shaking. His husband had been spending increasing amounts of time on his laptop, retreating into online forums. Who knew how long he had been planning this. Mydei took a moment to urge out a response.
“I don’t think I can do that.”
Jason’s face fell.
“Please have a think about it? We can put rules in place as well, like no having sex with other people in our home.”
Mydei couldn’t find the right words, so Jason went on.
“Please, consider it? Otherwise I don’t know if I can keep doing this.”
The statement was sobering. Mydei looked down at their clasped hands. Perhaps this was his fault. Perhaps if he were more exciting, more sociable, more sexual, he wouldn’t be in this position. But it just didn’t come to him naturally. The thought of divorce was one that inspired little but despair. He looked up, finding that his husband was still regarding him, entreating. The coloured light of the TV glow played across his face. Suddenly, he looked like a stranger.
“Please, for me?”
Mydei felt very small. He wasn’t sure when he’d last felt so alone. What choice did he have?
“I’m sorry you feel this way. I’m sure I’ll… come around to the idea.”
- No having sex with others in our home
- No unprotected sex with partners who haven’t been tested for STDs
- No unprompted discussion of other partners
- If your husband asks for details about other partners, you must share them truthfully
- You must tell your other partners that you’re in an open marriage
- You may create dating app profiles
- You may remove your wedding ring when seeing other partners or trying to find new partners
Mydei sighed and closed the shared note, fiddling with his ring before starting his next set. Time and time again, he’d returned to the note, the reminder of what he’d agreed to. The last few days had been wrought with anxiety. Every time his husband was out, Mydei wondered if he was holding someone else, kissing someone else, fu—
“Can I work in?”
A smooth voice interrupted his thoughts. He looked up to see a familiar boyish grin and tousled white hair. Phainon was leaning on the chest press, casting a shadow and boxing Mydei in.
Mydei pushed through two more reps, grunting as he brought the handles back. Phainon’s smile twitched.
“I suppose.” Said Mydei, standing and reaching for his water bottle. He tried not to brush against the other man who was standing far too close. Phainon sat down and strained, barely completing one rep. Mydei chuckled slightly. Phainon was strong, one of the strongest even at their bodybuilder gym. But Mydei wouldn’t be beaten on the chest press.
“You should probably reduce the weight.”
Phainon was practically red in the face trying to complete a second rep. Sighing, he let it drop and moved the pin up one.
“I’m better at arms.” He huffed, pouting.
Mydei laughed, feeling slightly cocky.
“I’m sure.”
Phainon glared from under messy bangs.
“I’m serious! I mean your pecs are obscene, how am I supposed to compete?”
Mydei could feel himself flush. Phainon would frequently approach him and make similar comments, heedless of Mydei’s obvious wedding band. Unsure how to respond, he let Phainon complete the rest of his set in silence.
Mydei absentmindedly fiddled with his cup. He stared out the window, watching as people passed like shades in the evening light. The rain was coming down in great sheets, pulsing incessantly against umbrellas and damp pavement. How appropriate. Mydei mused about pathetic fallacies, letting a wry smile stretch his lips.
“—ydei? Little Prince? Hello?”
Mydei turned back to his friends.
“Oh sorry, I zoned out a bit.”
Cipher stared at him, unimpressed. Castorice just looked worried.
“You’ve been off this entire time.” Cipher leaned in, narrowing her eyes. “Something happened. Out with it.”
Should he tell them? Probably, but doing so felt like he was admitting something, that he was a bad husband, that he wasn’t enough.
Castorice placed her cup down, worried.
“You don’t have to tell us if you’re not comfortable. But we’re here for you through anything.”
Mydei looked between them. He was eternally grateful for their support, but couldn’t help the guilty resentment. Castorice and Cipher’s marriage seemed to come to them as easy as breathing. He couldn’t imagine them ever being in his position. Was everything due to his own various faults? Would they think him defective?
“Jason and I have run into some issues.”
Cipher furrowed her brow and muttered something under her breath. Castorice looked impossibly more worried.
“You don’t have to tell us any more of course, but you have to let us know if it’s something serious, or if you’re in danger.”
Mydei hurried to correct the misconception.
“Titans, no. Nothing like that. We just—”
He cut himself off. His two friends looked at him expectedly. He sighed and resigned himself.
“We opened our marriage.”
Cipher’s hands slammed against the table as she shot to her feet.
“WHAT?”
Castorice pulled her down to sit, muttering apologies. She turned back to Mydei, worry evident on her face.
“If you both want to explore polyamory that’s fine, but I can’t imagine you pushing for this.”
His friends had never liked Jason, Cipher in particular. Mydei hated it, hated having to constantly justify his husband, justify his choice of partner.
“It’s fine. I agreed. Besides, we set rules. I know what I signed up for.”
His friends were not appeased. Cipher looked furious. Castorice’s eyes were huge, pitying.
“You should fuck a shitload of men, that’ll show him.”
Castorice glared at her wife.
“Cipher!”
Cipher: Do you remember Kostas from uni?
Cipher: [image]
Cipher: [image]
Cipher: [image]
Cipher: He’s hot now
Cipher: [contact]
Cipher: Hit him up ;))
Mydei sighed deeply, closing his phone and nodding to the gym receptionist as he exited the building. Cipher had spent the last few days plying him with various men she wanted to set him up with. But he should probably count himself lucky — he’d barely managed to convince her not to make him a Hinge profile.
“Mydei! One second.”
Mydei turned, somewhat unsurprised to find Phainon jogging after him, two cups in hand. He looked unfairly good, a thin layer of sweat casting his face in a glow under the harsh lighting.
“I got you coffee.”
Phainon’s grin was endearing. Unbidden, Mydei’s thoughts wandered to his neighbour’s samoyed. He had noticed that Phainon had ended his workout earlier than usual, it seemed he had cut it short to buy coffee. It was a shame that Mydei couldn’t appreciate the gesture.
“I don’t drink coffee.”
If Phainon was dejected, he didn’t show it.
“No worries! What do you drink then?”
“Pomegranate juice with milk.”
Phainon’s eyes lit up.
“Oh, I’d love to try that! Do you like sweet drinks?”
Mydei tilted his head.
“I suppose.”
Phainon nodded to himself, seemingly pleased.
“I wouldn’t think that would be the case initially, but that’s surprisingly cute of you, it fits.”
Mydei wasn’t sure what to say to that. Phainon went on.
“I’m pretty boring, my favourite drink is water. I like black coffee too. But sometimes I treat myself to the Snowy Flavoured Choco Latte.”
He held a cup out.
“Here, it’s pretty sweet, and doesn’t taste like coffee. You might like it.”
Cautiously, Mydei tipped his head forward to sip from the cup. Phainon’s eyes never left his, almost hungry.
The drink was good, and Mydei hummed in appreciation.
“Not bad.”
Phainon’s grin widened and he took a sip from the same spot Mydei had, licking his lips after.
“Next time I’ll bring you somewhere that serves pomegranate juice with milk, I’m eager to try it.”
“Ah, no thank you I’m ma—”
Mydei stopped himself, realising that ‘I’m married’ was no longer an excuse to give. But still, did Phainon not see the wedding ring?
Phainon tilted his head at Mydei’s aborted sentence, but didn’t press for details
Mydei took a deep breath as he lathered soap over his hands. Keeping his mind carefully blank he scrubbed one side then the other, digging between his fingers almost painfully. The towel dragged against his skin.
Exiting the bathroom to food piled onto an empty dinner table, he couldn’t suppress the hollow feeling. It was a familiar scene, but Mydei had a foreboding feeling this time. He refused to check the time, but Jason was far later than usual. He walked to the chair facing the door as if in a trance and sat, posture rigid.
Mydei wasn’t sure how long he sat there for, zoning out until he heard the click of the lock. Jason froze when he saw him.
“Mydei! I didn’t know you were still up.”
“You didn’t come back for dinner.”
Jason shuffled his feet.
“Ah, I actually had dinner outside. Sorry I didn’t tell you.”
Mydei felt stupid. Picking up his bowl he went to microwave it. Why hadn’t he assumed this would be the case hours ago? Jason came up behind him, pressing a kiss to his neck.
“Don’t be upset, dear.”
Mydei could hardly think. Surely that wasn’t? He took a deep breath. Sure enough, he could smell unfamiliar cologne on his husband, obvious even under the scent of the food. Face carefully blank, he turned to his husband. His eyes flashed downwards for a moment, taking in the red marks at the base of his throat. Hickeys. Mydei did his best not to be caught staring.
Mydei knew what he had signed up for, thought he was ready. Thought of himself as someone measured, restrained, in control. But facing the reality of it was something else.
“No worries. I’m actually not hungry.”
Mydei removed the bowl from the microwave, stashing it in the fridge. He fled to the bathroom, turning the shower to scalding and thrusting his head under it. He wouldn’t cry, he couldn’t.
A knock at the door.
“Mydei, let me come shower with you.”
Mydei felt sick at the thought of being touched by hands that had held another, mere hours before.
“I’ll be out soon.”
The non-answer was all he could offer.
His hair was in his eyes, streams of water burned down his face. Feeling unsteady, he sank to a crouch, resting his forehead against the wall. He was hazy, adrift. Could the burn of the water, the cool of the tiles ground him? Probably not. But he didn’t have any other respite, did he?
“Need someone to spot you?”
Mydei glanced at Phainon from where he was preparing to bench. Phainon looked impossibly eager, even from the inverted angle. How many more times did Mydei have to refuse him before he finally gave up? Mydei’s lips formed around another denial but some sort of petty impulse triumphed.
“Sure.”
Phainon’s eyes brightened.
“Oh! Well don’t worry, you’re in good hands.”
He positioned himself behind Mydei’s head, leaning over to place his hands under the bar. Mydei couldn’t complain about the hard pecs and biceps that suddenly took up his view.
Mydei pushed through his set, letting the bar slam down at the end.
“Mind if I work in?”
“Sure,” Mydei thought for a moment. He supposed it was only fair that he return the favour. “I’ll spot you.”
Phainon grinned, rakish. To Mydei’s affront, Phainon took two 5 pound weights and slid them onto either end of the bar. Mydei narrowed his eyes, Phainon’s smiled only widened.
Phainon completed an impressive seven reps at that weight. He stood, going to remove the weights he had added.
“Leave them.” Mydei practically growled.
Phainon raised an eyebrow.
“If you say so.”
Mydei lay down, positioning himself under the bar. He adjusted his grip several times before finally pushing the bar upwards. Each rep was a struggle but he pushed through with gritted teeth until he had completed seven. Then, making eye contact with Phainon above him, he completed an eighth rep.
Phainon’s ensuing grin was nigh predatory as he lay down to complete nine reps. Mydei added another five pounds to each side for his next set, feeling safe to push himself with Phainon spotting for him. Eventually, they both reached their limit, tapping out after five reps, 30 pounds above Mydei’s initial setting.
They cleaned the bench and simultaneously chugged water. Phainon turned to him, wiping his mouth. He was practically glowing with the exertion.
“I had a lot of fun with you. I hope I’m not being too forward, but I’d love to take you on a date.
Mydei supposed he was allowed to have that. He looked Phainon up and down, noting how he flushed under his gaze. Mydei couldn’t deny that he was one of the most attractive people he had ever met. Surely, if he was ever going to give this open marriage thing a shot it would be with someone like Phainon.
“I’m free Saturday afternoon.”
Phainon looked almost as stunned as he did delighted.
Mydei wasn’t sure when he’d last gone on a date. As for when he’d last gone on a date with someone other than Jason? About a decade ago. Breathing deeply, he straightened out his sweater, glancing at himself in the window. Sure, he didn’t look how he did when he was last on the market, but Phainon seemed to like him enough already, didn’t he?
As soon as Mydei stepped inside the café, Phainon perked up from where he was sitting, hurrying over.
“Mydei! You’re early.”
Mydei scoffed.
“You’re even earlier.”
Phainon rubbed the back of his head.
“I suppose. I got ready and was just sitting at home. But I got scared that the train would get delayed or something so I just came early. I already ordered for myself and I know you like pomegranate milk but I wasn’t sure what proportion—”
“I can order for myself.”
“Oh! OK.”
Phainon trailed after him as as he approached the counter and ordered. He jumped in to pay at the last minute.
“You don’t have to pay for me, we’re both men.”
Phainon laughed.
“Of course, but I was the one who asked you out! It’s only right.”
Mydei just huffed and collected his drink when it was ready. Phainon guided him to the table, hand firm at the small of his back. Mydei couldn’t decide if he was annoyed or flustered by the unnecessary display of chivalry.
There was a brief moment of silence as they sat down. Phainon fidgeted with the hem of his shirt. Mydei sighed.
“I suppose there’s something I have to address.”
Phainon nodded.
“Uh sure, go ahead.”
Did he really not know what he was talking about? Surely Phainon was not blind to the glaring issue? Mydei held up his left hand, where his wedding band sat.
Phainon averted his eyes, looking vaguely guilty.
“I’m married, Phainon.”
“I know that but—”
“Let me finish.”
Mydei dropped his hand, sighing again.
“I’ve been married for five years. However, recently we’ve opened our marriage.”
Astonishment briefly flickered across Phainon’s face, before it became eerily blank. He took a moment to respond.
“I see. What does that entail, do you have rules in place?”
“Some.”
The scene was truly surreal. Mydei couldn’t bring himself to continue explaining his humiliating situation with his own mouth. Movements staccato, he reached for his phone.
“Read for yourself.”
Mydei pulled up the note, handing it over. Phainon nodded as he read, before handing it back. He smoothed down his shirt. The silence hung for a moment.
“Uh, I’ve been tested since my last partner. You can see the results if you want.”
Mydei felt himself flush.
“That won’t be necessary."
Phainon shrugged.
“Sure. Well, that was interesting! I enjoy a good contract, it’s the lawyer in me.”
“It’s not a contract. And are you practicing? You’re quite young, no?”
Mydei was suddenly aware of his own age. Phainon cocked his head.
“I’m a barrister, took the bar two years ago. And I’m 25.”
Mydei had a heavy feeling in his stomach. What was he even doing here? A married man on a date with someone in his twenties?
“I’m 32.”
If anything Phainon just smiled wider.
“Cool. And do you work?”
“I’m an assistant history professor at Okhema University.”
Phainon perked up.
“Oh! That’s my alma mater. What periods do you specialize in?”
“Era Bellica Castrum Kremnos”
Phainon sat up even straighter.
“That’s definitely the most exciting period of history. The foundation of Castrum Kremnos, the heroics, the battles, Nikador’s calamities…”
Mydei was surprised.
“You know Kremnoan history?”
“Of course!”
He leant a little closer.
“I’m a little obsessed, to be honest. A society that worshipped battle prowess, where warriors constantly strived to better themselves.”
He sighed.
“Sometimes, I think that I’d be better suited for that sort of life.”
Mydei narrowed his eyes. He wondered if Phainon had even set foot in a ring, to make claims like that. Phainon went on.
“I read a book recently that really got me excited about Kremnoan history again. Kings of Kremnos?”
Mydei tilted his head.
“By Ptolemy?”
Phainon snapped his fingers.
“Yes, exactly! Of course you know it.”
“He’s a friend at Kremnos University. I helped review it.”
Phainon’s eyes were wide.
“Wow! That’s so exciting. I’d love to read your work one day too, if you publish.”
Mydei could feel his face flushing.
“Sure, thanks.”
Phainon smiled.
“I actually came across an interesting Kremnoan antique in an online auction recently. Here.”
Phainon pulled his chair closer to Mydei’s, pressing into his side as he pulled it up on his phone. He was talking excitedly about something, but all Mydei could focus on was the solid warmth against him. He was confused. Phainon was young and attractive. Probably rich too. Why was he so fixated on someone like Mydei?
The apartment was quiet when Mydei returned. The sun was setting but the lights hadn’t been turned on, leaving the living room in hazy grey. Mydei toed off his shoes and padded into the bedroom. Jason was on the bed using his laptop. He didn’t look up from his screen.
It felt wrong to just slide into bed next to his husband, with the memory of what he’d just done clawing at him like pins and needles. Not when the balm of Phainon’s body against his side weighed on his mind, sunk in his stomach. Mydei felt his back press against the door.
“I went on a date today.”
Mydei’s voice came out quieter than intended, dissipating in the low light.
Silence for a moment.
“Where did you meet him?”
“The gym.”
Jason finally looked up. His face was strung into careful emptiness, but his hands had curled into fists.
“That’s nice honey.”
It was hard not to spot Phainon at the corner of his vision. They were the only two people in the room, and the man was wearing oversaturated purple and yellow, after all. Phainon had yet to move a muscle, apparently content to stare like a creep. Mydei landed a particularly solid kick on the punching bag. Phainon was lucky he was good looking, or he’d be reported. Mydei had the crawling urge to run and hide, but honestly, that was something he’d never learned how to do. He turned to the other man, eyes sharp.
“What.”
Phainon had the self-awareness to look guilty, but his eyes never strayed from Mydei.
“I’ve never seen you use the punching bags before. You’re… hard to look away from.”
Mydei knew he must be flushed.
“I used to train MMA. I wanted to give myself a refresher.”
Phainon cocked his head.
“Why’d you stop doing it?”
“Some people in my life didn’t approve.”
Phainon probably knew he meant his husband, but admitting it felt like showing weakness. Mydei hadn’t touched a punching bag or been in a ring in years, but didn’t know what else to do with the feeling of discomfort these days, the feeling like he was too big for his skin. Phainon nodded.
“Your form is good.”
Mydei tilted his head.
“You do martial arts too?”
Phainon nodded.
“I wrestled in school, and got into MMA in college.”
“Is that right?”
Feeling cocky suddenly, Mydei raised his fist into the space between them, a gesture of respect amongst fighters before a match. It was this stance, wasn’t it? Familiar, a sense of control over his body. He felt old feelings rush back into him with the adrenaline, a physical power he hadn’t felt in a long time, concentrated in his hand. It was an act of dominance over the space between them, and Phainon met it with a glint in his eyes, touching his own fist to Mydei’s.
No words were needed, suddenly. It was Phainon’s left hook that moved first. It made his breath catch in his throat.
Phainon didn’t let up on the attack, as if trying to draw something out of Mydei, violently, again and again striking the space between them as Mydei kept up his dodges. He had to hold back a grin.
It was then Mydei caught a flash of blue behind the firm defence. With force, he surged forward, tackling him to the ground. Phainon was forced under him, pinned to the gym floor.
His breath felt bright in his mouth, mixing with Phainon’s. They were close. At this distance, letting his eyes run over Phainon’s face, Mydei could see how Phainon’s almost predatory gaze, the taunting tilt of his head, suited him, like this. This time, Mydei could return one of his own.
“Wow.” Phainon breathed out. His face was close to being pressed against Mydei’s chest.
Mydei didn’t have time to think too carefully about the position they were in, because Phainon was already pushing back, arms flexing against Mydei’s grip as they were rolling over each other like a pair of schoolboys, now.
It was him, staring up into Phainon’s eyes now. And in Phainon’s keen stare, pressing into him, Mydei had time to notice that Phainon’s pupils had dilated.
He lunged towards Phainon, and the other man was quick to grab his arm from his vantage point on top of Mydei, and pin him down again, this time, face to the ground.
Mydei could smell the exertion on Phainon, feel it in his panting, and the muscles heaving into him, pressing into his weak spot at the centre of his back. Damn.
“10”
“9”
Mydei grit his teeth through the discomfort, struggling until the countdown hit zero.
Phainon rolled off him and pulled him to his feet.
“Shall we move this to the ring?”
Slightly embarrassed, Mydei cast his gaze around the room. Thankfully they were still alone.
It didn’t get any less exciting after the third round, nor the seventh, or eighth.
Round 10. Mydei 5, Phainon 5.
“Again.” Mydei spat, the taste of iron in his mouth. Their form had devolved into sloppy, violent attacks. Mydei was in pain, exhausted, but addicted to the hard strikes Phainon doled out, to feeling muscle under his fists. Phainon’s grin was feral, and Mydei knew his expression was the same.
Mydei’s ringtone cut through the trance. He just wiped the blood from his split lip, and dropped his stance. Just as he was about to dive in again, it rang once more. He sighed.
“One second.”
He stepped out to grab his phone, tapped on the notification
Jason: What’s going on?
Jason: We have my office party, remember?
Jason: Where are you?
Mydei swore under his breath, adrenaline still thumping through his veins.
“I have to go.”
Phainon: We should spar again sometime.
Mydei’s finger hovered over the notification, Jason already asleep beside him. Should he tell his husband he was getting back into MMA? Probably. But the rush of the spar earlier wouldn’t leave his mind. He wanted to hoard that moment all to himself, when they locked eyes, pushed themselves to their limits. The violence, the strength of Phainon’s body was addictive. Taking a deep breath, he opened the chat.
Me: Next time I’ll beat you every round.
Phainon began typing instantly.
Phainon: Haha. Better get training then.
Phainon: By the way, are you free this weekend? I’ve been meaning to check out this restaurant.
Phainon: [link]
Mydei turned to his sleeping husband. Jason was snoring lightly. Unguarded like this, he looked like the man Mydei had fallen in love with, all those years ago. Mydei huffed out a breath, let his eyes rise to the ceiling. He didn’t know growing old would be so hard. When did the world turn, leaving him where he stood?
A text appeared at the bottom of the screen, and Mydei’s gaze dropped.
Phainon: I can pick you up Saturday?
Saturday used to be date nights with Jason, before that became just another artifact of rose-tinted years. Mydei allowed himself one more glance at his husband. He never thought he’d look at another man, but against all odds he knew he wanted to see Phainon again, wanted even more from him. He clicked his phone off for a moment, but the night wasn’t dark enough so he squeezed his eyes shut until he knew something like resolve.
Me: Sure, see you then.
Mydei clutched the sink, gaze fixed on his own reflection. Even in the harsh lighting, he knew he looked good in his burgundy shirt, hair pulled up into a half ponytail. He checked his phone. Phainon would arrive to pick him up in just five minutes. He reached for the bathroom doorknob, his own gaze snagging on his wedding band. He paused for a second, and then in a rush of heedlessness, pulled it off and stashed it in his pocket.
As he strode towards the door he could barely believe what he had done. He couldn’t even remember the last time he’d taken it off. Why had he taken it off? For this man he barely knew? Just as he was second guessing himself, the doorbell chimed.
Phainon was adjusting his collar when Mydei pulled the door open, slightly red and visibly nervous. He had a vice grip around a bouquet: an explosion of reds, yellows, and pinks. He broke into a lopsided smile when he caught sight of Mydei, exhaling deeply.
“Mydei… you look gorgeous.”
Mydei didn’t know what to do with the compliment, didn’t know what to do with himself. Instinctively, he went to fiddle with his ring, but his thumb just rubbed against bare skin. He was alone in this one.
“Thank you, you look nice yourself.”
Phainon’s smile widened, warm and balmy. He suddenly thrust the bouquet towards Mydei.
“Uh, I hope it’s not too much, but I wanted to get you something.”
Jason used to get him flowers, back when they’d just started dating, but it had been years since the last time. Mydei brought the flowers to his nose, letting his eyes flutter shut as he inhaled the fragrance. When he opened them, Phainon’s blush was crawling over the tips of his ears. He couldn’t help the smile that slipped onto his face.
“Thank you, I’ll put them in a vase. Feel free to wait inside.”
Mydei only realised what a mistake that was when he returned to the door, catching the moment Jason jolted to a stop at the entryway. Phainon’s face was almost eerie in its frigidity.
“Who are you.”
Phainon’s smile was cloying.
“I’m Phainon, I’m here to take Mydei on a date.”
Jason stiffened just as Mydei hurried over.
“Here, we’re just leaving. Jason, I’ll see you tonight.”
He paused in front of his husband, wondering if he should take his clenched fist, peck him on the cheek, anything to dissolve that tension. A glance to Phainon, and the stony expression had him withdraw his hand.
Jason snorted.
“I doubt it.”
“What?”
“That I’ll see you tonight.” He leveled a glare at Phainon. “Well, have fun.”
Mydei could only stare as his husband closed their bedroom door behind him. Phainon was at his side in the blink of an eye.
“Shall we?”
Mydei wasn’t equipped to navigate a situation like this. Sighing, he let himself lean into the man beside him.
“Sure, let’s head out.”
Phainon narrowed his eyes as he swirled his wineglass.
“I just don’t understand why he was so pissy when he’s the one who asked you to open the relationship.”
Mydei regretted divulging that detail. He sighed, ripping his bread into progressively tinier pieces as he responded.
“Can we drop this? It’s not really your business.”
Phainon leant forward, resting his chin on steepled fingers.
“On the contrary, it’s very much my business. I’m not sure you’re aware of how often I think of your marital… situation. Here, stop that.”
He reached out to still Mydei’s hands, which were tearing at the bread even more frantically. Mydei froze at the contact, but Phainon didn’t withdraw, letting his thumb rub against skin. He stifled the urge to shiver. In the silence, Phainon’s smile was satisfied, delighted. It almost irritated Mydei. They only pulled apart when the waiter arrived with food.
Mydei was far less agitated by the time they stepped back into the night air. Perhaps it had something to do with the good food, or perhaps it was the two glasses of wine he’d had. But really, in his vaguely tipsy state, he could acknowledge that it had something to do with a magnetic smile, flowing conversation, and the warmth of the hand in his.
Phainon leaned forward to smile at him.
“Enjoy yourself?”
Mydei hummed.
“I suppose. The desert was memorable.”
Phainon’s grin widened.
“I’m glad. I made sure to find somewhere with a famous pâtissieur, since you like sweet food.”
That checked out, given how delicious his desert was. And also given how exorbitantly expensive their meal was. Not that he’d paid, of course. Phainon squeezed his hand.
“Another glass of wine at mine? I’m just over a ten minute walk away.”
How awfully convenient. But maybe Mydei wasn’t as sensible as he thought, because more time with Phainon was sounding awfully appealing. He shrugged.
“Sure, I’m free.”
“Feel free to sit on the couch, I’ll go grab the wine.”
Now that he was actually at Phainon’s, Mydei didn’t know how to carry himself. Trying to look unbothered, he strode over to the sofa and sat stiffly. He allowed himself a glance around. Phainon’s apartment was obviously expensive — most of it looked like it came out of a luxury catalogue. Exactly what you’d expect from someone very rich with very little personality. But Phainon’s quirks came through in the details — a worn video game console, a strangely shaped purple and yellow clock, a fairly genuine-looking amphora. He ceased his staring as footsteps sounded behind him.
Phainon set the glasses on the coffee table and deftly uncorked the wine with a soft pop, leaning over to pour.
“Tell me when to stop.”
Mydei found his eyes lingering on where the sleeves of his collared shirt were rolled up, revealing strong forearms. Distracted, his glass ended up mostly filled before Phainon moved to pour his own.
“Well someone can certainly drink.”
Mydei didn’t plan on telling him how wrong he was. That Mydei considered anything past two glasses abnormal, and anything past three pushing the limit. He sipped the wine meekly.
“I’ve been saving this bottle for a special occasion.”
Mydei did his best not to snort. No doubt Phainon was just dropping generic lines to get Mydei in his bed. Mydei didn’t think he minded, to be honest. Two and a bit glasses, he reminded himself. Dangerous territory. Phainon continued.
“Are you into wine?”
“No.”
Phainon nodded.
“Fair enough. I used to hate it honestly, but then Aglaea — oh she’s my boss, she’s been a mentor since I was in university — she insists on getting me into all these sophisticated things, like wine and golf and expensive suits. She even made me get a whole new casual wardrobe for my off days! But yeah, at the start I didn’t like it but I’ve come around to wine, mostly red—
Mydei tilted his head. Compared to the casual skin contact and flirtatious grace Phainon had displayed all evening, this nervous rambling was quite the contrast. Mydei really shouldn’t find this side of him so cute. He felt a smile pull at his lips as he watched Phainon clench his hand around the stem of his glass. Phainon froze as he slipped fingers against it.
“You’ll break it.”
Phainon laughed nervously.
“Haha, you think I’m that strong?”
Mydei glared.
“You don’t have to be that strong to break glass. Don’t let it get to your head.”
Phainon set down his glass and turned back to him. Up close, his blue eyes were dilated, greedy. Mydei felt a hand slip onto his thigh.
“Ah but if I’m not strong, what does that make you? If I recall, someone couldn’t keep up on preacher curls.”
“Shall I remind you of your poor performance on the chest press?”
Mydei wasn’t sure who had moved in, but they seemed impossibly close. He knew he was leaning in, helplessly drawn to that cocky smile and those broad shoulders. Shaky fingers navigated to his inner thigh.
“I’ve told you before, your chest can barely be considered human.” Phainon flexed his pecs slightly. “Most people would consider mine impressive.”
“Really now?”
Mydei raised an eyebrow, and brought a hand up to trace the outline of the hard muscle before squeezing slightly. Phainon had a firm grip on his inner thigh now, and he pulled slightly, spreading Mydei’s legs.
That was all it took. Mydei was practically throbbing between his legs as he surged forward to kiss Phainon. Intimacy had always come awkwardly to him but when Phainon gripped his jaw and kissed him deeper, he couldn’t help but open his mouth wider and press closer.
Phainon pulled away, only to tug Mydei towards him until he straddled thick thighs. Mydei gasped into the kiss; slightly overwhelmed but undeniably turned on. Phainon’s hands mapped the length of his body, gripping and squeezing until they eventually settled on his ass. He pulled Mydei’s crotch down onto his prominent bulge. The friction was delicious, and Mydei disconnected their lips to tip his head back and grind against him deeper. Phainon groaned and buried his face in his neck, sucking kisses and muttering curses.
“Fuck, you feel so good.”
Mydei could do little but pant, putty in his hands.
“I told myself I wouldn’t today. I want to do this properly.”
Phainon rutted against him.
“But Titans, I can’t help myself.”
Mydei whined and tugged at the buttons on Phainon’s shirt. Phainon made short work of the rest of them, shrugging the shirt off and capturing Mydei’s lips again, kissing with renewed passion as Mydei ran his hands over firm muscle.
Phainon pressed kisses all over his face, stopping at his ear to whisper.
“You next.”
Mydei went to undo his buttons but something in the corner of his vision caught his attention. A light — his phone on the couch. He froze. His phone had lit up with a notification, flashing the lock screen: a photo of him and Jason, on their anniversary a few years ago.
Phainon pulled back to look at him with a furrowed brow, turning to see what he was looking at. Mydei didn’t know if he’d ever known guilt like this. He stumbled to his feet.
“I have to go.”
Phainon surged up, careful to keep his distance.
“Let me call you a cab home at least.”
“I’ll take the train. Goodnight.”
Phainon ran a hand through his hair.
“I can come with you, drop you off at least.”
Mydei felt bad for him, knew that he shouldn’t.
“That won’t be necessary.” He took a deep breath. When had he last acted so erratically? “You didn’t do anything wrong. I just have to go.”
Phainon followed him to the door.
“Will I… will I see you again?”
This would be easier if he didn’t look like such a kicked puppy. Mydei sighed as he turned around.
“Yes, I’ll see you in the gym on Monday. Maybe we can spend time together afterwards."
The worry wouldn’t leave Phainon’s face.
“I’ll be free. Well, have a good night Mydei. I had a lot of fun today.”
“So did I.”
Mydei let his gaze linger for a moment. Phainon cut a striking figure — shirtless, hair tussled, bulge straining at his trousers. Mydei forced himself to turn away and walk towards the station. He peered at his phone.
Cipher: Any hot dates lately? Hope you’re getting some dick king 😛😛😛
He almost laughed. If she’d known what she’d unwittingly interrupted she’d never forgive herself.